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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2012 21:54:09 GMT
Excellent!
I'll give this a go tomorrow. Welcome to the board mate. What's you're stance on blacks?
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Post by Ribanjo Fuller on Jan 9, 2012 21:55:21 GMT
Racist!
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Post by Orbs on Jan 9, 2012 22:21:33 GMT
Does Dirk Kuyt like lemon curd?
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Post by Donkey on Jan 9, 2012 22:28:34 GMT
1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What've you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence? Yes, its bloody incredible. How are you enjoying Europe this year?
2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results? Possibly, 4-0 at Sunderland and 5-0 at Bolton for example. Worth it though for how fun Europe's been. How are you enjoying Europe this year?
3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? Do you feel you're currently on target for the goals you set yourselves at the beginning of the season? We'll stay up which is always a priority, we're still in the FA Cup, we're high up the table and we have a European knock out match to look forward to, so the goals are very much on target. How are you enjoying Europe this year?
4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst? Plenty of highs and lows, every match against the top opposition we're playing regularly means alot for the club and transfer deadline day always seems to be full of Stoke City!
5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works? I think we're very slowly changing, we definitely do still hoof it but we've started passing it alot more, probably due to players like Palacios enhancing the midfield. Change isn't exactly needed, but its an added bonus.
6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far? Yes.
7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons? He has alot of skill on the ball, everytime he heads it it goes straight to a player in red and white, he's got a few goals, looks happy and is generally a perfect player for us.
8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? What areas do you feel you need to improve in and what sort of players would you like to see come in? We desperately need wing cover. Linked with Hoillett but that's looking unlikely even though it'd be ace.
9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally. What's your secret? 10 pints of pre-match Stella.
10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media? No, it is a problem at the moment that has been created by LFC and one of its vile, cheating scumbags. The way the club dealt with it was pathetic, the way the fans responded was pathetic and the pre-match shirts at Wigan was almost like the club support racism.
(I'd like to note here, I am on the forum posting this questionnaire for friendly banter and do not want to be subject to abuse I have received elsewhere. It is a sensitive subject and if you are being kind enough to answer the questions, I would prefer a sensible, reasoned answer for the next question. If you do not feel you have read into the case enough to answer in a reasoned or educated manner, please skip it and move on to the football. Thanks and much appreciated)
10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings? I didn't read it, but gather that it clearly states Suarez used the word 'negrito'. If this is true, his ban is fair.
11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday? Not at all, you'll win 4-0.
12. What players do you see as your dangermen? Crouch obviously, Etherington against Johnson could be interesting.
13. What players of ours are you worried about? Gerrard if he plays, that's about it really.
14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? We certainly have to try play a different way when we come to Stoke thanks to the more narrow pitch, for example. We'll try and get forward a bit but the majority of the match will be dominated by Liverpool. We will need another one of our superb defensive masterclasses I feel, like we did against you in our first Premiership season.
15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far? You're as high as you'll get and still in both domestic cups. Apart from the Suarez thing its been pretty good.
16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year? Massively overrated, considering the amount of money he has spent I'd be expected better if I was you. He gets away with it because of who he is, if Hodgson had spent this much and mustered the same amount of points, you'd be calling for him to be sacked.
17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard! Errrrrrrr, Lucas and Enrique. But I would have Gerrard obvs.
18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday? Walters, the guy needs a rest.
19. What kind of game are you expecting? One sided.
20. Finally, your score prediction? 4-0 Liverpool
Thanks a lot. As I said, I would really appreciate your replies!
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Post by Kidsgrove4 on Jan 9, 2012 22:56:51 GMT
K4 does not like this.
( thumb down)
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Post by Nyron Nonceworthy on Jan 9, 2012 23:44:42 GMT
Have you ever played at the new Wembley? It's smashing.
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Post by Time4aPINT on Jan 9, 2012 23:49:05 GMT
1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What've you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence? The nearest to European football previously with Stoke while I've been watching The Potters has been the Anglo-Italian cup which was a bit rubbish. Really enjoyed every match in the Europa league so far and cannot wait to see how Valencia cope with a cold and windy night at the Britannia Stadium.
2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results? Hammered 4-0 at Sunderland and 5-0 at Bolton but beat Everton and Wolves away after Europa fixtures.
3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? We have a good chance of a top half finish and have done well so far in Europe. So far, so good.
4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst? A sense of pride and belonging that the local glory-hunters are missing out on. There is nothing bad about supporting Stoke. There have been plenty bad times but that makes you appreciate the good times so much more.
5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works? Change is happening but it's a slow process. The fans are enjoying the football so there is no need to rush through a change of style.
6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far? Oh yes.
7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons? He's a superior footballer and more than just a target man.
8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? Yes, probably, maybe, don't know.
9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally...... You have too many tourists at Anfield.
10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media? The media are making the most of it at the moment but it does highlight that there is still a problem.
10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings? No didn't read it but Liverpool need to shut up and accept it. Racism is a criminal offence inside a football ground, so he has got off lightly.
11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday? Hard to predict, Stoke might sneak a 1-0 victory but I think we may lose 2-1.
12. What players do you see as your dangermen? Crouch, Etherington, Pennant if he plays and Huth.
13. What players of ours are you worried about? gerrard and bellamy is still a good player.
14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? Anfield has a small pitch just like the Britannia Stadium but our team will be set up with defence as the first priority.
15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far? Don't care.
16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year? He's great at moaning and defending the indefensible, ie: diving, play acting and racism. Liverpool should be challenging for the top four at least with the money they have spent.
17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard! Kuyt and Lucas
18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday? Kenwyne Jones.
19. What kind of game are you expecting? Liverpool with 70% possession and Stoke defending for their lives.
20. Finally, your score prediction? Could be 1-0 to Stoke but more likely a narrow defeat for us.
bloody hell, that was hard work.........
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Post by Ninjadmin on Jan 10, 2012 2:59:19 GMT
1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What've you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence? We've had a great start, apart from the European hangovers (the 5-0 at Bolton and the 4-0 at Sunderland), but they're almost worth it for the chance to take 'our style' to the likes of Besiktas and Valencia.
2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results? Yes. I think if we weren't in Europe this year we'd be above Liverpool in the table at the moment.
3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? I'm only just starting to come round to the idea that we aren't relegation candidates. We're only 11 points from the safety of the 40 mark at the half way stage, get a few more points on the board then I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the rest of the season.
4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst? The best thing about being a Stoke fan at the moment is going into games against Arsenal and Liverpool with a little bit of hope of coming away with something - I still remember having away days at places like Rotherham and thinking that we've got no hope.
5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works? I think we have changed, we started off with 11 workhorses just lumping it forward to big strikers. Now we've got 11 workhorses getting it to the tricky wingers (with a mean cross on them), who whip it towards top strikers in the box. What more could you ask for?
6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far? Yes.
7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons? He's a step up from the usual 'big man' that Pulis normally gets his players to aim for. He's as good with his feet as he is in the air... which is basically our normal front two rolled into one.
8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? I think we will, knowing Pulis it will probably be another couple of central defenders. I'm hoping for a couple of decent full-backs so he doesn't have to keep playing central defenders there.
9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally...... We're an easily excitable bunch here in Stoke, there's not a lot else to do here. You can either get drunk and shout at things or sleep. It sounds great when you get loads of us together.
10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media? I don't think it is as big a problem as has been made out in the media but I think it has been put under an intense spotlight because of the awful PR at Liverpool. I don't think Suarez is racist but everybody involved with Liverpool should have just accepted the ban. They should have got Suarez to apologise to Evra, used his nationality and culture (baring in mind he hasn't been in this country long) as an excuse to sweep it under the carpet with a statement about learning from his mistakes in this country, then I'm convinced that nobody would be even talking about it being a problem in the game here. The statements have made Liverpool look racist or deluded and that white Suarez t-shirt looks like the opposite of the 'Kick It Out' campaign t-shirt (what were they thinking wearing that before the game like players wear the 'Kick It Out' one?) Oh and singing the Suarez song after a player was in distress after being racially abused by people in the crowd was ill-timed - it's pretty much a racist song now; that can't have been good for Suarez's defence.
10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings? I didn't read the whole document, just saw the summary of it on the news. I think it looked like it pissed all over Liverpool's first statement in defence of Suarez - they had no choice but to accept the 8 matches with a bit of egg on their face... they should have just stopped there though, no more hole-digging statements or comments.
11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday? Suarez was the difference between the two teams in October... he's out so we've got a better chance. With it being away, I think we'll set up just to defend though, concede and have absolutely no comeback.
12. What players do you see as your dangermen? The big blokes during set-pieces, I don't think we'll play expansive enough to do anything in open play. Huth/Shawcross/Crouch
13. What players of ours are you worried about? I'm worried about all of the players harassing the referee for 90 minutes and getting decisions out of him - the Liverpool way.
14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? Away games = ridiculously defensive.
15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far? Ill-advised statements aside, I think they're doing alright. The new signings don't seem to be making the impact that you'd expect for that money (apart from Suarez who was a great buy), I'd probably be a little bit disappointed that we weren't challenging Spurs for third with the amount of money spent. Maybe next year is your year when the rest of the new players settle.
16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year? He seems to have instilled a bit of belief that wasn't there when he took over. It probably lifted the mood of the crowd more than anything, which is important. With the money that has been spent though, you'd expect to be doing a little better - he's not handled the Suarez situation very well; I don't think he handles the media very well as a whole.
17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard! Enrique - we need a fullback. Kuyt - would suit us down to the ground.
18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday? Carlo Nash, because he's our 3rd choice keeper.
19. What kind of game are you expecting? Stoke setting up to defend; conceding and running out of ideas.
20. Finally, your score prediction? Liverpool 2-0 Stoke
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2012 14:51:39 GMT
1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What have you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence?
The seasons been generally very good. Our performances have been up and down but we've still picked up a decent amount points, as well as dropped a few where people (myself included) would have thought we'd do better. Overall we’re on course to survival and that’s paramount.
I wasn’t alive to experience our European exploits first time round so it’s been an experience, a fantastic one at that. But seeing it firsthand has opened my eyes to how dishonest football and footballers are in Europe, part of their game plan is to cheat as often as possible, which makes it all the more sweeter when we’ve stuck it to opposition.
2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results?
Before we first played Hajduk Split and FC Thun I had little / no sympathy with players that are paid handsomely for the job they do. But being honest, traveling does take it out of you. Considering we’ve been into the armpits of the Middle East and ye olde Soviet Union, it’s a lot of mileage if you’re a trained athlete or not; though we appeared to be getting to grips at the end qualifying with a win over Wolves and Everton (?).
3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? Do you feel you're currently on target for the goals you set yourselves at the beginning of the season?
Now we’ve had a taste of Wembley, I really want us to get there again, still breaks my heart thinking how close we were and how long it might be till next time. I’ve never expected Stoke will win anything major in my lifetime (except promotions) but I’d love us to win a major trophy at some point. No pressure, like.
4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst?
Being born into and growing up with my local team, that special bond that gloryhunters and armchair fans will never have. These days it’s the fact that we’re such a well ran club from top to bottom (excluding the club shops). This is our 4th season in the big time and I’d say we’re now looking like an established Premier League club, something we thought we’d never see.
5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works?
I’d be unfair to say we haven’t changed. We defiantly play the long balls but we mix it up as well. When we’re on it, we can pass it round pretty good. We’re evolving but we’re keeping the traits that make us formidable. I’d much rather us play the way we do than get dicked every week but have the condescending appreciation of Hansen, Lawro and opposition fans. Fact is more people are aware that we do play well. I’d just like to see us keep going, because it works. I’m not saying we don’t play ugly at times but I’d lose the will if we decided to knock it about for 20 minutes and not move any further forward.
6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far?
Absolutely. I’m not going to predict how far Tone can take us because he’s proven me wrong time and time again.
7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons?
The boy got skills. He really is a step above. He’s clearly loving it here and he’s giving it his all. Kenwyne Jones is good occasionally and he frustrates the tits off me because it’s obvious the talents there, but he gets knocked around like someone half his size and is unfortunate enough to be blessed with two left feet. Then there’s Mama, no disrespect to the big guy but the difference is night and day.
8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? What areas do you feel you need to improve in and what sort of players would you like to see come in?
I’ve kept a wide berth of the January windows to be honest, least until the end. It’s said time and time again, we need a proper left back and someone that is able to put Rory out to pasture, but we’re doing fine. Again.
9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally. What's your secret?
The atmosphere has become less ferocious these last two seasons but we’re still up there with the best of them in this league. The difference between us and Liverpool is that we’re the underdog more often than not. Plus as someone said, we’re pretty easily excitable.
10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media?
The media do flame it but the way Dalglish and Liverpool have handled it is nothing sort of disgraceful so it’s perhaps warranted. The whole t shirt thing was an absolute farce to be truthful. To me, Dalglish literally poured petrol over the ‘Respect’ and ‘Kick Racism’ campaigns, pissed on them and lit the match.
As for racism in football as a whole. Yes, there are still elements of it. I'll hear a random bloke (usually overweight, bald and looks like likes to be the kingpin of the council estate) shout obscenities once in a while It's pretty cringe worthy but not prolific enough to make me thing there's a problem
10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings?
He’s said what he’s said and he’s learned the hard way that it’s an unacceptable term / phrase in this part of the world. Liverpool could have avoided the flak they’ve had by accepting what’s happened and trying to resolve it in house rather than coming out with the shit they have done. Because of this I’ve lost whatever respect I had with your club to be honest. As for Suarez, he’ll start back from where he left off, a very talented yet whiny, diving footballer. It’ll be very interesting to see his debut back, it couldn’t have been against anyone else.
11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday?
It’ll be a run out for your boys I think. Best we could probably ask for is keeping the goal margin down. Although I do fancy a Huth sneaking in a header.
12. What players do you see as your dangermen? If they’re on their game, Etherington, (especially) Pennant and Crouchy will probably / hopefully give the lads a lift
13. What players of ours are you worried about?
Gerrard still has bags of tallent
14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? We certainly have to try play a different way when we come to Stoke thanks to the more narrow pitch, for example.
Defensively. As said previously, damage limitation, parking the bus, take your pick.
15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far?
Doing pretty well even though I’m still absolutely perplexed at the amount of cash Dalglish has spunked on average players. Its funny watching the local glory hunters (the ones that have never been to Anfield in their lives) spewing when you’ve been losing to be honest. Another that’s stuck out for me this season about Liverpool is how odious your squad has become. Carrol, Agger, Adam, Johnson, Bellamy, Skirtel, all guilty of surrounding the ref and whining when they get the opportunity.
16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year?
Bright start. Was always going to get more of a lift out of players than bumbling Woy and was important to the fans to get him in. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of signings he’ll make this summer and what impact Liverpool will make next season.
17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard!
Christ, can’t really think at the moment. Lucas and Aurelio?
18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday?
It’s a little bit harsh given the amount of defending we’ll be doing but I wouldn’t like to see Kenwyne Jones in the starting lineup. Whilst he’ll come back to defend corners and free kicks, he won’t provide anything going forward.
19. What kind of game are you expecting?
Feel this has been a key word but damage limitation on our end.
20. Finally, your score prediction?
2-0 Liverpool.
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Post by Dharma Bum on Jan 10, 2012 22:13:17 GMT
1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What've you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence?
It's been another solid season (so far). We started off well and, not including a couple of nightmare away games after the Europa League group stages kicked in, we've continued in much the same vein.
The European games have been brilliant so far, partly because we've won the majority of them and partly because it hasn't had the adverse effect on our league form that many feared it might.
2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results?
Over the course of the season as a whole, no. It's been a good opportunity for fringe players to get some game time and our early run of victories in qualifying set us up well for a difficult start to the season.
It's difficult to say whether the disasters games at Sunderland (4-0) and Bolton (5-0) might have had different results had we not been in the Europa League, but it's important to remember we're currently above both those teams in the Premier league and we're going to Valencia in February. (I've seen us humiliated by worse teams in the past too, so the aforementioned results have been relatively easy to take)
3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? Do you feel you're currently on target for the goals you set yourselves at the beginning of the season?
Finishing eighth would be a superb achievement. However, last year's FA Cup heroics have convinced me that the club can win more than just the Autoglass Trophy these days. With yourselves, Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all scrambling for a Champions league place, winning the cup is certainly not an impossibility, as long as we play our strongest team. Going as far as possible in the Europa League (if we beat Valencia, we can beat anyone) would be amazing, but I'll be happy with a comfortable top half finish.
4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst?
Best thing: Difficult to say really. I've always loved being a fan, even when we were shit and got buggered by teams like Walsall on a regular basis.
At the moment, I love that there's very little for us to worry about, so I'll go for the peace of mind that your average Stoke fan now enjoys.
Worst thing: The bollocks that a lot of fans (not always opposition fans either) and pundits churn out about us.
5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works?
He did. Style is a personal concept though. I don't subscribe to the theory of beautiful football being constant sideways and backwards passes. I believe attacking football is entertaining, and there's nothing more attacking than smashing it long to the strikers. Really, we're only boring when the opposition set up to match us (our Boxing day game against Villa being a prime example.) When it works, though, Pulis' tactics are great to watch, in a gladiatorial, pissed-off-lions-versus-shit-scared-Christians way (the dismantling of Arsenal, Newcastle and Bolton last spring being prime examples.)
I'd like to see us use possession more wisely, as well as going for the win away from home more often. Other than that, there's not much else we can do without sinking a few billion into the squad.
6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far?
Yes, as long as Chairman Peter Coates is alive, Pulis will be here and the club will grow stronger. That might not actually be a long time in reality (Coates is 73), but I'd wager that he will probably outlast most other managers currently plying their trade in the Premiership.
7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons?
He's a classy operator. His touch is incredible and at times he's almost graceful, in a gangly sort of way. He's probably the best finisher at the club too. He's well rounded, as opposed to the other two incumbents of the target man role: Kenwyne Jones, who I'd back to score a brilliant header but miss a one on one, or Mama Sidibe, who I'd never back to do anything. Great target man, nice bloke, shocking striker.
8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? What areas do you feel you need to improve in and what sort of players would you like to see come in?
We'll probably see some business, mostly players going out. Wing cover and real fullbacks are the priority, but Stoke are masters at keeping transfers hushed up until they're almost finalised.
9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally. What's your secret?
Having only roughly seven songs, the majority of which are monosyllabic. KISS: Keep it simple, stupid.
10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media?
I honestly don't think racism in football is much of an issue anymore, because clubs (and fans in general) no longer tolerate it. The media and the politicians love to hate football fans, and an opportunity to show everyone else what nasty people we really are has been gleefully seized upon. I've been going to Stoke games since the mid 90s: I've seen fans fight other fans, I've seen fans fight the police, I've seen fans fight the players. I've never heard racist abuse. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's not something that modern football in England has a problem with and long may that continue.
10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings?
I didn't read it. For what it's worth, whilst I believe that what Suarez said, was racist, I don't believe he is a racist. Liverpool FC have let their fans down badly with their response, though, and this whole affair has tarnished your club's reputation. Some people might say you needed a better PR team, I say you just needed someone with a bit of common sense and perspective.
11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday?
The absence of Suarez means this is a more winnable game than it might have been. As long as you play well you can beat us, but it could be interesting if we make a real go of it.
12. What players do you see as your dangermen?
Crouch, Walters, Pennant, Etherington. Huth and Shawcross at set pieces.
13. What players of ours are you worried about?
Bellamy and Gerrard. Andy Carroll is due a good game for you lot as well...
14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? We certainly have to try play a different way when we come to Stoke thanks to the more narrow pitch, for example.
Park the bus, try and sneak a winner. We'll probably only play with one real winger, so expect there to be more long balls than usual.
15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far?
I would have expected better with the money you've spent. For £35million, you should have bought a better striker than Carroll.
16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year?
He's united the fans, which is the main thing. He arguably has better players at his disposal than Woy did, but I wouldn't say he is a tactical genius.
17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard!
Suarez. Is he the best striker in the league? Probably. He can be a bit unsavoury (racism row aside, his play acting is pretty nauseating) but his ability is unquestionable.
Kuyt. Runs and runs and runs. TP's wet dream.
18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday?
Woodgate. If he plays, it'll be at right back and it'll be a massacre.
19. What kind of game are you expecting?
Us using spoiling tactics, you throwing the kitchen sink at us. A scrappy game won by a single goal.
20. Finally, your score prediction?
Liverpool 1 - 2 Stoke.
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Post by MermaidSal on Jan 11, 2012 14:22:27 GMT
Hiya, welcome to the board Here come a few answers from me... xxx Hi guys, Liverpool fan here (be gentle...). For every league home game we run a little piece called the Spyin' Kop on RAWK just to get the opposition's view ahead of their trip to Anfield for a bit of fun and friendly banter. You may remember another member came calling back in September ahead of our league match then. I've got a few questions and would really appreciate your honest answers to make this week's a success. Thanks in advance and I'll be more than happy to post the link to the thread once it's up and running. 1. To begin with, you currently sit in 8th place in the league and have had what appears to be an enjoyable European campaign too bar a couple of results. What've you made of your season so far? Have you relished being back in Europe after a long absence? WE'RE PINCHING OURSELVES TBH, IT'S AMAZING. EQUALLY AMAZING IS THAT THE EURO RUN HASN'T HURT OUR LEAGUE FORM AFTER A REALLY WOBBLY SPELL WHERE IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS DOING. 2. Do you think the European excursions have had an effect on your league performances and results? SO, AT FIRST POSITIVE, THEN A WOBBLE, NOW IT FEELS LIKE IT'S ALL TO THE GOOD. 3. What are your aspirations for the second half of the season and where do you want to finish, realistically? Do you feel you're currently on target for the goals you set yourselves at the beginning of the season? TOP HALF, COUPLE MORE EUROPA WINS IF WE'RE LUCKY, WE'D BE DELIGHTED WITH THAT. 4. What's the best thing about being a Stoke fan, and what's the worst? THE PEOPLE, STOKIES TRULY ARE THE BEST. THESE ARE GLORY DAYS FOR US. TRULY, NOT TOO MUCH IS BAD RIGHT NOW. 5. Forgive me if I'm wrong. Didn't Pulis say a few years ago that once Stoke were established in the Premier League that he would change your style of play from what we've grown to associate with you? Do you feel the need to change, would you like to see something different or do you think it's a case of go with what works? IT'S EVOLVING, HONEST, BUT HE NEEDS TO GET HIS HEAD ROUND A CREATIVE CENTRAL MIDFIELDER AS A VITAL PART OF A TOP HALF PREM SIDE, WHEN WE HAVE BOTH WINGERS FLYING THAT'S GREAT BUT WE NEED CREATIVITY THROUGH THE MIDDLE TOO, THAT'S BEEN TONE'S BLIND SPOT FOREVER. 6. Do you think Pulis is in it for the long haul and can keep you moving forward as you have done every season so far? THINK WE'VE ALL HAD DOUBTS ALONG THE WAY BUT YES TO THAT, HE'S KEPT DELIVERING AND WE'VE GROWN TO LOVE WHAT A PIGHEADED SOD HE IS TOO. 7. One of our former players joined you in the summer and he's one I've always rated and was a bit gutted we sold him in the first place, to be honest. What have you made of Peter Crouch so far and what impact has he had for you? What sets him apart from the other target men we've seen operate up front for you in recent seasons? COUPLE OF EARLY DOUBTS FROM ME BUT HE'S SETTLING IN BRILLIANTLY. HE'S JUST A VERY, VERY CLASSY FOOTBALLER AND UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER IMPORTS, GENUINELY SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN TO THE WAY WE DO THINGS HERE. 8. This month's transfer window is open. Do you think you'll strengthen? What areas do you feel you need to improve in and what sort of players would you like to see come in? CENTRAL MID, A PROPER LEFT BACK, ONE MORE WINGER. PLEASE PLEASE NOT 3 MORE CBS. 9. Your home support since you've been in the Premier League has been brilliant and it's widely acknowledged among the footballing world as being one of the best in the country. We've had a bit of a decline in our home support over the past few years vocally. What's your secret? WE LOVE THE CLUB, WE LOVE NORTH STAFFS, WE LOVE EACH OTHER, SIMPLE AS THAT. THIS AREA HAS THE BEST SENSE OF BELONGING AND COMMUNITY IN THE UK IN SURVEYS, WE CAN ARSEBITE FOR ENGLAND WHEN THINGS GO WRONG BUT STOKE IN THE PREM GIVES US THE CHANCE TO SHOW THE WORLD WHO WE REALLY ARE. 10a. I'm a bit adverse to talk about it but I feel as it's a hot topic at the moment, I should. We've been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and I sincerely hope that a tiny minority haven't given us an unfounded nationwide label. From your personal experiences, do you think racism in football is as big a problem that has been made out by the media? ONLY IN LOCALISED HOTSPOTS... PEOPLE THOUGHT STOKE WAS A RACIST CITY WHEN WE HAD OUR FLIRTATION WITH THE BNP BUT THERE'S VERY LITTLE IF ANY AT THE BRIT THESE DAYS. (I'd like to note here, I am on the forum posting this questionnaire for friendly banter and do not want to be subject to abuse I have received elsewhere. It is a sensitive subject and if you are being kind enough to answer the questions, I would prefer a sensible, reasoned answer for the next question. If you do not feel you have read into the case enough to answer in a reasoned or educated manner, please skip it and move on to the football. Thanks and much appreciated) 10b. In regards to the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra case, did you read the 115 page document released by the FA related to the verdict? If so, what did you make of the findings? 11. Onto the game then. We finally proved we could do it on a cold midweek night in Stoke back in October. How confident are you of getting a result coming to Anfield on Saturday? 12. What players do you see as your dangermen? 13. What players of ours are you worried about? 14. What kind of approach do you think you'll adopt at Anfield? Do you think you play in a different way when you play away from home? We certainly have to try play a different way when we come to Stoke thanks to the more narrow pitch, for example. 15. What do you make of Liverpool's season so far? 16. It's been a year to the week at the point of writing this that Kenny Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again. What are your impressions of the job he's done in the past year? 17. A fairly obligatory, but interesting question. Out of Liverpool's current squad, what 2 players would you like to see at Stoke? To make it a bit more interesting, you're not allowed Gerrard! 18. On the flipside, what 1 player from Stoke are you hoping doesn't make the team sheet on Saturday? 19. What kind of game are you expecting? 20. Finally, your score prediction? Thanks a lot. As I said, I would really appreciate your replies!
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Post by Dharma Bum on Jan 11, 2012 16:01:32 GMT
No need to shout, Sal.
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Post by SuperRickyFuller on Jan 12, 2012 16:17:53 GMT
"..I visited The Oatcake and 1863, two of Stoke's main forums on the internet.."
Ladies and gentlemen, we've made it
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Post by Donkey on Jan 12, 2012 16:31:10 GMT
One of the comments below contained my username and a wanker gesture.
I've officially made it!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2012 16:42:57 GMT
People have a strong opinion about Suarez because from the outside looking in he seem's a bit of a cunt. Of the Ronaldo sort.
Edit- "What an absolute wanker Boring Bastard is" ;D
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Post by SuperRickyFuller on Jan 12, 2012 16:44:44 GMT
People have a strong opinion about Suarez because from the outside looking in he seem's a bit of a cunt. Of the Ronaldo sort. Edit- "What an absolute wanker Boring Bastard is" ;D I'd rate him as even more loathsome as Ronaldo
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Post by Donkey on Jan 12, 2012 16:46:10 GMT
Thing is, its only Liverpool that believe Suarez is innocent.
Every single person outside of LFC thinks/knows he's not, has the penny not dropped for them?
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Post by Donkey on Jan 12, 2012 16:46:30 GMT
People have a strong opinion about Suarez because from the outside looking in he seem's a bit of a cunt. Of the Ronaldo sort. Edit- "What an absolute wanker Boring Bastard is" ;D I'd rate him as even more loathsome as Ronaldo Me or Suarez?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2012 16:50:44 GMT
"we as a club are the only ones that think/know he is innocent."
Correct. But would they think he was innocent if he played for another club? Would they fuck.
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Post by Dharma Bum on Jan 12, 2012 16:53:03 GMT
Gutted none of my answers got on.
Donko, everyone thinks you're a cunt.
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